APTA Responds to The Washington Post on Treatment for Osteoarthritis

I am writing in response to your March 16 article, "Damaged ankles can be fused or replaced, but these surgeries have drawbacks," by Nancy Rome.

Rather than advising a "grin and bear the pain" approach, physical therapists can help individuals with osteoarthritis maintain function and mobility by designing individualized treatment programs to reduce pain and improve function.

Physical therapists provide effective, affordable, and conservative careand work with the patient and physician to help the patient manage his or her health over the long term. In most states, individuals can make an appointment with a physical therapist without a physician referral.